What's your festive side?

As 2017 ends, we’re celebrating our expansion to 180 destinations all around the world. With so many new places to enjoy onefinestay, we’re asking how you prefer to spend the holiday season – warm and cosy by the fireside, or basking in a poolside paradise?

First up is Villa Okyroe, firmly in the 'poolside' corner. Situated in Mykonos, this home has breathtaking sea views, which you can take in from the terrace – a shady spot with a table large enough for any family gathering – or from the private pool. Nearby Kapari Beach is little-known and lovely, an idyllic place to stroll after your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. West 10th Townhouse couldn’t be more different. In the bohemian West Village, this city home is grand and gorgeous. A striking holiday retreat, it’s made for comfort, and the 65-inch TV in the sitting room is perfect for family film night.

Our second sunny home – Venus Estate in Bali – is a great antidote to the winter blues. Its bright-white living areas have windows that frame verdant views of Bali's breathtaking scenery. With a palm-shaded terrace, two infinity swimming pools – both set in beautiful tropical gardens – and a beach very nearby, you can sun and swim all holiday season here. Bay Front Estate is beachside too – but it’s this Hamptons home’s welcoming rooms that’ll most appeal during the winter holidays. The open-plan living area has a table for twelve, plus plenty of cosy seats, while the sitting room has an old-style bar, a pool table and a couple of fireside sofas. And if lazy days aren’t your thing, there’s a heated pool, gym and indoor sports court too.

Villa Oceans 11, Phuket, is our third poolside home – another exotic destination for an unconventional winter holiday. A self-contained poolside paradise, equipped with a cinema room, spa and gym. Almost every window overlooks the ocean (sundown is incredible here), but the view is best enjoyed from the beautiful infinity pool, or the private beach below. Just as tempting, Grand Cerf, Megève, is a skier’s paradise (you can actually ski right up to the front door). The wood-clad open-plan living area is especially inviting – a place that feels designed for a classic wintertime get-together spent gathered around the dining table, or lounging in front of the open fireplace.

Something of a wildcard, Castelvecchio, tucked away in the Italian countryside, is our final poolside home. Beamed ceilings, tapestries, and all manner of antiques – this castle has an impressive dining table made for a holiday feast. This is also a place to relax – in the sprawling grounds you’ll find a fitness room, hammam spa and the promised pool, which has panoramic views across the hills. Rue de Beaune, Paris, is elegant and understated, a city hideaway ideal for a smaller gathering. It’s a lovely place to spend time cosied up with family. And it’s also a great base for exploring Paris, since you’re surrounded by inviting boutiques and brasseries (and well-placed for a romantic, wintry walk beside the Seine).

Chosen your festive side? Or still need to make up your mind? Get in touch with a onefinestay Travel Advisor at advisors@onefinestay.com for a selection of homes hand-selected for you, or take a look at more of our gorgeous homes here.

Post your favourite fireside or poolside moments on Instagram with the tag #onefinestayfireside or #onefinestaypoolside.